9 With a blinding flash he destroys the stronghold and brings the fortified city to ruin.
9 That strengtheneth the spoiled
9 who makes destruction flash forth against the strong, so that destruction comes upon the fortress.
9 And he can destroy it as easily as make it. He can turn this vast wonder into total waste.
9 He rains ruin upon the strong, So that fury comes upon the fortress.
9 With blinding speed and power he destroys the strong, crushing all their defenses.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 5:9
Commentary on Amos 5:7-17
(Read Amos 5:7-17)
The same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy, and as easily turn the prosperity of daring sinners into utter darkness. Evil times will not bear plain dealing; that is, evil men will not. And these men were evil men indeed, when wise and good men thought it in vain even to speak to them. Those who will seek and love that which is good, may help to save the land from ruin. It behoves us to plead God's spiritual promises, to beseech him to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within us. The Lord is ever ready to be gracious to the souls that seek him; and then piety and every duty will be attended to. But as for sinful Israel, God's judgments had often passed by them, now they shall pass through them.